EC&M Tech Talk — The Practical Side of NEC Terms and Definitions
In Episode 35 of EC&M Tech Talk, Electrical Trainer Randy Barnett covers seven topics to help understand some of the more confusing terms we often run into in the NEC. The Tech Talk is divided into seven topics and briefly described below:
- Article 100 Definitions – includes the major changes to this article
- Voltage Levels – the confusion between Low, Medium and High
- Cables – 44 definitions, but we need to understand a few
- Circuit Breakers – four terms explain the different types
- Fuses – look at some of the terms not often used
- Classes of Circuits – includes the Class 4 Circuit now in the NEC
- Grounding – some of the big picture terms to help remove confusion
Not using the proper terminology based on NEC definitions creates confusion on its own. But then, questions arise even if we use the right terms. For example, “Are those cables bundled or not?”, “What is High Voltage in the Code, and how can it also include medium voltage cable?”, and “What is a motor circuit protector?”
Viewing this Tech Talk will most likely make you more inquisitive and force you to dive a little deeper into the rules when applying the NEC. Understanding the practical side of terms and definitions often helps to make navigating the Code a little easier.
About the Author
Randy Barnett
CESCP
Randy Barnett is a master electrician, ICC Commercial Electrical Inspector, NFPA-certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional and has worked as an electrician and technician in nuclear and coal-fired power plants, government nuclear research facilities, and in industrial maintenance and construction. He is the author of Commercial and Industrial Wiring – American Technical Publishers, numerous articles, and the producer of a monthly Tech Talk video series for EC&M Magazine. Randy provides training and program development services for clients such as, NTT Training, ABB, American Polywater, Socomec, and Schneider Electric. Randy can be reached at www.randybarnett.net.